Amritsar, March 30
The SGPC chief, Mr Avtar Singh, today faced embarrassment when Mr Jagdev Singh Talwandi, Mr Kirpal Singh Badungar and Bibi Jagir Kaur came heavily on his style of working even as the annual general house session of the SGPC passed a Rs 285-crore budget amid a boycott by members from Haryana, the Panthic
Morcha and the sole independent member from Chandigarh here.

Factionalism within the Shiromani Committee came to the fore with the criticism of Mr Avtar Singh. Mr Sucha Singh Langah, a former Akali minister said it was unfortunate that some senior functionaries of the committee had been "promoting" groupism.

He asked the SGPC chief to check such acts. He said it was regrettable that some "favourite members" were inducted into almost all sub-committees again and again. He said such acts could not be tolerated even though they were committed to cooperate with the SGPC chief due to the order of the SAD chief, Mr Parkash Singh Badal.

Veteran Akali leader and former SGPC chief, Mr Jagdev Singh Talwandi, questioned the move to buy "costly land" for constructing a serai near Harmandar Sahib while cheaper land was available.

He asked what was the need to spend huge amounts of money on the proposed Sikh university when it did not belong to the Shiromani Committee. He also questioned the wisdom of appointing four secretaries.

The SGPC chief said it was an old commitment of the committee and had to be fulfilled at all costs. He said Mr Talwandi was his "political guru" and had a right to criticise him.

The most embarrassing moment came when Mr Badungar questioned the wisdom of bestowing siropa on Dr Manmohan Singh in the sanctum sanctorum during his recent visit to Harmandar Sahib while it was stopped during his tenure. He said it was disgusting that the maryada was violated by none other than the Sikh high priest, Giani Gurbachan Singh.

He said dignitaries could be honoured in the SGPC's information office. He asked the Sikh high priests to finalise guidelines for presenting siropa.

He said an article published in a daily eulogised the services of Mr Avtar Singh while certain former SGPC chiefs were dubbed traitors. Replying to this, Mr Avtar Singh said his legs "trembled" whenever he sat in the seat once occupied by Baba Khark Singh or Master Tara Singh.

Mr Badungar criticised Mr Avtar Singh for promoting "self-praise" at the cost of all former presidents, including Mr Gurcharan Singh Tohra who had been bestowed with Panth Rattan by Akal Takht. He said it was shocking that while highlighting the achievements of his four-month tenure, Mr Avtar Singh tried to belittle the achievements of past presidents.

Bibi Jagir Kaur, in a hard-hitting speech, said the impression of the Amrit Sanchar movement being projected by Mr Avtar Singh had tried to belittle his predecessors who had made great contributions since the enactment of the Sikh Gurdwara Act, 1925.

The SGPC chief was defensive throughout the proceedings and said he was a humble man and had never used harsh language even though he was dubbed "political lilliput" in the media.

Immediately after the budget speech by Mr Sukhdev Singh Bhaur, general secretary, SGPC, opposition members stood up and asked for time to highlight their viewpoints on the budget.

The independent member from Chandigarh, Mr Gurpartap Singh Ryar, said it was undemocratic on the part of the SGPC to refuse a discussion on the budget.

Meanwhile, Mr Karnail Singh Panjoli levelled serious charges against the SGPC and called for "liberating" it from the Badal family. He alleged that Sikh high priests had become "puppets" in the hands of Mr Badal.

Barnala/Sangrur, March 30
An error on the part of the Education Department has created panic among teachers of primary schools of Barnala block, especially in rural areas.

The information regarding the number of filled posts and vacant posts against those sanctioned has reportedly been wrongly mentioned in a list prepared by the Education Department.

Teachers fear that because of this, they may be transferred to other schools to make way for new teachers in their place.

The District Education Office (Elementary) has prepared a list of 307 primary schools: 103 without teachers, 184 having a single teacher and 20 with two teachers having the maximum number of students in a decreasing order. All these schools will be handed over to zila parishads for appointment of new teachers in the light of “no teacher, one teacher or two teachers” there.

The Tribune learns that the Education Department has mentioned the Jumla Malkan (Barnala) primary school in its list of “without teacher” (the school has four sanctioned posts) though the fact is that the school has four teachers.

Likewise, the Uppli, Badbar, Dhanaula Road, Barnala, and Attargarh primary schools (all in Barnala block) have been put in the list of “one teacher school”. The Uppli school has been shown as having five vacant posts against the six sanctioned, but, in fact, five teachers are working there.

The Badbar school, which has seven sanctioned posts, has been shown having six vacant posts, though there are six teachers working there. The Dhanaula Road, Barnala, school has been shown as having two vacant posts against the three sanctioned, but there are three teachers working there. The Attargarh school has three teachers though the authorities have shown only one teacher working against the four sanctioned posts.

In its “two teacher” list, the authorities have shown eight posts vacant against the 10 sanctioned at the Pakho Kalan village school while eight teachers are working there. In this category in the Bhaini Mehraj (Barnala) school, the authorities have shown three posts as vacant against the five sanctioned, though there are four teachers working there.

In three cases in Barnala block, the primary schools at Harigarh and Kube villages have not been included in the “one teacher” list though they have one teacher each. Likewise, the primary school at Bhattlan village has not been included in the list of “no teacher” school though it has no teacher despite two sanctioned posts.

On being asked about the discrepancy, Mr Parmod Kumar, Officiating DEO (Elementary), Sangrur, said he would bring the matter to the notice of the DPI (Elementary), Punjab. He said his office was sending a list of 12 primary schools of Barnala block to the DPI after making corrections in this regard. However, he could not specify how this happened.

Sources said the list had been prepared on the basis of information collected from block primary education officers.

Ms Naseeb Kaur, Block Primary Education Officer, Barnala, said she had sent a correct list about the number of sanctioned, vacant and filled posts in schools. She said if anything went wrong at any other level, she could not say anything about it.

Tarn Taran, March 30
At least six frescos of Hindu gods, including Lord Rama and Lord Krishna, which were unique specimens of the Sikh school of art of the Maharaja Ranjit Singh era have been replaced with Sikh paintings during kar seva at Darbar Sahib here.

The upper storey would be opened to the Sikh sangat on the 400th death anniversary of Guru Arjan Dev in June this year.

The frescos were visible on the upper storey of the sanctum sanctorum of the Sikh shrine before launching the kar seva. However, Baba Amrik Singh of Dera Baba Jagtar Singh Kar Seva Wale, while talking to The Tribune, claimed that he was not aware of any painting belonging to Hindu gods on the upper storey of Darbar Sahib. He said most of the paintings were beyond recognition since these were destroyed due to seepage from the dome.

The frescos were unique specimens of the Sikh school of art, completed in 1824 during the regime of Maharaja Ranjit Singh. According to Sikh history, Maharaja Ranjit Singh got the gold-plating and interior decoration of the Darbar Sahib completed by taking personal interest.

The other paintings visible at the time of the kar seva were, however, preserved after a lot of painstaking efforts. Now, all 16 paintings which were revived by using a similar style and colours as that of the time of Maharaja Ranjit Singh, belong to Sikh Gurus, Sikh warriors and religious leaders, including Baba Deep Singh, Bhai Mani Singh, Bhai Ghanaiya, Baba Budhaji, the first head granthi of Harmandar Sahib, four Sahibzadas (sons of Guru Gobind Singh) and Bhai Gurdass. Some of the paintings depict Guru Nanak Dev flanked by Bhai Bala and Bhai Mardana. Jaswant Singh, an artist of Dera Baba Jagtar Singh Kar Seva Wale said specified colours were used to complete the art work and the paintings would last long as efforts had been made to stop seepage in the upper storey.

When Dr Kanwarjit Singh Kang, a renowned fresco expert, visited Darbar Sahib, Tarn Taran, in June 1971 in connection with his Ph.D thesis “Mural paintings in the 19th century Punjab”, several frescos were intact in the upper storey of the shrine. According to Dr Kang, though originally the paintings were executed sometime in the middle of the 19th century, the dome of the shrine developed cracks during an earthquake in 1905 and was rebuilt again and embellished afresh with murals.

In June 1971, the surviving frescos depicted mixed themes, including portraits of Sikh Gurus and scenes from the Hindu mythology.

Ludhiana, March 30
The Bharatiya Kisan Union (Ekta) today decided to intensify its protest against the government when a farmer who had been arrested with 192 others in Barnala for taking part in an agitation against land acquisition by the government, died due to alleged lack of medical attention by civil hospital here today morning.

Surmukh Singh, (65), of Jhethuke village in Bathinda district had been suffering from pain in the chest and stomach disorder for the past two days. His condition deteriorated last night after he allegedly was shuttled between the central jail here and civil hospital over difference of opinion between authorities relating to his health.

The Kisan Union claimed the farmer’s condition deteriorated after he had taken part in relay fast in the jail. The union has demanded compensation of Rs 10 lakh for is family, government job for his kin, action against jail officials and civil hospital doctors besides release of all farmers from the jail.

Inquest proceedings were conducted regarding the death of the jail inmate. A board of three doctors conducted the post-mortem examination. The body was handed over to relatives in the evening.

The Jail authorities referred the farmer to the civil hospital yesterday morning. He was sent back in the evening by the civil hospital doctors who gave him medicine. However, the jail staff refused to admit him again asking the civil hospital authorities to give a certificate about his condition.

Civil hospital doctors admitted him again. Sources said the farmer’s condition deteriorated at night and he died at 4 am today.

His death sparked protests by activists of the Kisan Union (Ekta). They staged a dharna outside the central jail and later at Ludhiana civil hospital against alleged delay in providing medical care to him.

Mr Balwant Singh, district general secretary of the union, said they would launch statewide agitation demanding action against civil hospital doctors and officials of the central jail here.

Superintendent of Central Jail, Kuldip Singh, said jail staff could not be held responsible in any manner. “We had referred him to the civil hospital in time. We also sent him back when he was discharged from the hospital as we were convinced, his health was not good. Earlier, he was given timely care and attention in the hospital in the jail.

Ms Manjit Kaur, SMO said she was not aware of the case but suspected that the farmer could have been sent back as there were discrepancies in his papers.

Bathinda, March 30
Following the death of a farmer in Ludhiana Jail the Jameen Bachao agitation has taken a new turn. The farmers lodged in the local jail today announced that they would all resort to fast from tomorrow.

On the other hand, the
BKU (Ugraha) has called a meeting at Jethuke village tomorrow, in which the union would chalk out its future course of action.

Surmukh Singh, a farmer hailing from Jethuke village, had died in Ludhiana jail yesterday.

At present about 650 farmers have been lodged in different jails. They were arrested from Barnala. The farmers has started fasts in jails. They have already announced that they will not go out on bail.

However, sources said three farmer leaders — Gurmeet Singh, Kulwant Singh and Maghar Singh — were unconditionally released from Bathinda Jail today.

The district union president, Mr Shingara Singh Mann, said the farmers imprisoned in Bathinda Jail wanted to participate in the funeral of Surmukh Singh. The jailed farmers had demanded that the administration should either make necessary arrangements for the same or they be released unconditionally.

They had also threatened to continue their fast if they were not allowed to attend his funeral. The union leaders said 148 farmers would sit on fast in the jail from tomorrow.

Chandigarh, March 30
As compared to Haryana and the Union Territory of Chandigarh, Punjab has done well as far as allotting liquor vends under the drastically changed excise policy for 2006-07 is concerned. Punjab has already netted Rs 1,197 crore as revenue against its target of Rs 1,278 crore from the allotment of vends.

Of the total of 4,098 licensed units of vends, the Excise Department has allotted 3,674 so far. As many as 424 licensed units remain to be
allotted. The excise authorities concerned said told The Tribune today that they were trying to allot the remaining ones at earliest. Once this was
done, the department would, more or less, achieve its target of earning a revenue of Rs 1,278 crore from the vends, said a senior officer. During the current financial year Punjab earned Rs 1,500 crore from the liquor
trade. This was about 3 per cent more than that in the last financial year.

The Excise Department faced some problems in implementing the new policy. There are reports that certain leading liquor dealers, who made a huge fortune from the trade in the state during the current financial year, created problems in the implementation of the new policy which was framed to end the monopoly of a handful of liquor barons.

In the first attempt, the Excise Department failed to allot all vends. Then it had to re-invite applications to allot the remaining liquor vends. In the second attempt, it again failed to allot the remaining vends. Obviously, the department authorities would have had to invite applications again or devise some method to allot the remaining 424 vends.

Sources said that Haryana's shortfall in the revenue from the vends allotted so far is in the range of 25 per cent while UT's shortfall is about 30 per cent. Punjab's shortfall so far is 6.3 per cent.

Though Punjab Government earned only 3 per cent more revenue during the current financial year from the liquor trade as compared to the last financial year, the liquor barons made big money.

COMMUNITY

Disabled Army man fighting for pension
Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, March 30
The Army’s failure to file an injury report and conduct a mandatory court of inquiry in an accident in which eight troops had lost their lives, has resulted in a disabled army man fighting for his pension and consequential benefits for the past 30 years.

Roop Singh, a resident of Ludhiana, had suffered serious head and spinal injuries when a service vehicle in which he was travelling from a transit camp in Udhampur to his unit in Kashmir rolled down a khud in April, 1975. Owing to his injuries, he was put on the “dangerously ill” list and later moved from the Military Hospital in Srinagar to the Command Hospital in Chandimandir.

Having exhausted other options to get his pension sanctioned, he has now sought legal redressal to his grievances and his case is pending before the Delhi High Court.

“Defence Service Regulations make it mandatory to file an injury report and conduct a court of inquiry in such cases, but it has not been done as is evident from his documents,” Roop’s counsel, Mr Rajeev Anand said. His claim for disability pension was rejected because there were no such documents to support his case that his injuries were attributable to military service, he added.

When Roop was discharged from hospital, he was placed in medical category ‘C’ and due to employment restrictions, he was posted to the National Defence Academy in Kharakvasla. In 1997, a routine medical board further downgraded his physical condition and placed him in medical category ‘E’. This warranted his discharge as his condition did not make him fit for any type of military duties.

He took up his case with the Controller of Defence Accounts (Pensions) in 1978, and was told that there were no documents to substantiate that he injuries were due to military service.

After his first appeal was rejected, he filed another appeal in 1982, but received no response. With age taking a toll and his poor shape restricting employment, It was in 2003 that he petitioned the Ministry of Defence. In January this year he received a reply from the ministry, stonewalling his queries and appeals.

Sangrur, March 30
The police reportedly resorted to a mild lathi charge on the villagers, who had gathered near Ballial village (Bhawanigarh) to oppose an increase in the mini bus fares, this evening. The villagers had blocked a mini bus, which was
passing through the village. The police took some persons in custody in this connection.

After the incident, a large number of villagers, on tractor-trailers, came to the Bhawanigarh police station and held a protest there.

Mr Kuldeep Sharma, DSP (Rural), Sangrur, tonight refuted the allegation levelled by the villagers in connection with lathi charge on the protesters. He said the police had just intervened to disperse the people, who were blocking the bus.

Earlier, the villagers also staged a dharna in the sub-tehsil complex at Bhawanigarh and submitted a memorandum, relating to the hike in the mini bus fares, to the authorities concerned.

Mr Jeet Singh Alloarkh, district president of the SAD, condemned the lathi charge on the villagers. He said the villagers had been pleading their case with the administration for the past about one week, but it ha not taken any step to pacify them.

Patiala, March 30
On the call of the All India Bank Employees Association and All India Bank Officers Association a Demand Day was observed by the members of Punjab Bank Employees
Federation. They wore badges and took out a demonstration from the State Bank of Patiala, Zonal Office.

Addressing the rally, Mr S.K. Gautam, general secretary, State Bank of Employees Union (Punjab), criticised the recent instructions given by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) in connection with outsourcing of nationalised banking services, privatisation of public sector banks and merger of public sector banks. He further stated that 27 public sector banks had
deposits of more than 15 lakh crore and selling these banks would be a national disaster.

They said the price hike of essential commodities had affected the budget of a common person and there was no check on it. They also criticised the Congress for not implementing its election manifesto in its true sense.

They demanded special girdawri in the Kandi area and provide compensation to the affected farmers.

They opposed the move to privatise various boards and corporations.

Later they went in a procession to the office of the Additional Deputy Commissioner (General), Hoshiarpur, and presented him a memorandum to
this effect.

Hoshiarpur, March 30
After the disclosure by the police of the
supari (contract) killing of SGPC member Kuldip Singh, the inhabitants of Chak Alla Bakash, his native village, alongwith its Panchayat members have decided to boycott the families of NRI Gurdev Singh and Sukhdev Singh for their alleged involvement in the crime.

Kuldip Singh was shot in front of his house in the village on October 30, 2005.

In the disclosure, it was alleged that an NRI residing in the USA, Gurdev Singh, gave
supari to Beera, Salinder Singh Chhinda, Jassa, Sandip to kill Kuldip Singh because of a dispute between him and the deceased over the prime land of Gurdwara Singh Sabha of Chak Alla Bakash.

Sources said the police has also arrested Balwinder Singh alias Datta, son of Laskar Singh of Dagan village for the alleged killing of Kuldip Singh.

Amritsar, March 30
On the call given by Joint Platform of Mass Organisations (JPMO), comprising of 21 unions and associations of industrial workers, agriculture laborers, peasants, Central and state governments employees, women, youth and students organisations today gheraoed the office of the Deputy Commissioner here today.

The organisations were protesting against the continuing price rise, proposals for privatisation of public sector undertakings, debilitating educational and health services, scrapping of central electricity act, lifting the ban on new recruitments, uninterrupted power supply to rural sector etc.

The rally was first addressed by various leaders at the Company Garden which included Mr Mangat Ram Pasla who criticised the government for stooping in front of the USA and pursing anti- people policies.

Chandigarh, March 30
The Punjab and Haryana High Court Bar Association on Monday observed the 75th martyrdom day of Shaheed Bhagat Singh, Rajguru and Sukhdev.

Punjab and Haryana High Court Chief Justice, Mr Justice D.K. Jain, who was the chief guest on the occasion, garlanded the portraits of the martyrs and commended the association for organising the function.

Former High Court Judge Justice H.S. Brar (retd) released a book “The Trial of Bhagat Singh” authored by advocate Prof M.J.S. Waraich. The book illustrates the trial and hanging of Bhagat Singh.

In his address, Mr R.S. Cheema, Advocate General, Punjab, spoke on the life of the martyrs. He said that Martyrdom Day should be an occasion for every Indian to rededicate himself to the country.

Among others who spoke on the occasion included association president Atul C. Lakhanpal, Secretary Lokesh Sinhal and vice-president S.S.
Swaich.

Mansa, March 30
Protesting against the state government’s move of handing over rural dispensaries to Zila Parishads, all Health Department employees took mass casual leave and staged a dharna in front of the Civil Surgeon’s office here today.

The agitating employees demanded the withdrawal of the government orders under which 1,300 rural dispensaries would be handed over to their respective Zila Parishads.

They warned to intensify their agitation if the government didn’t pay heed to their demand. They alleged that the government was running away from its basic responsibility of extending health services to people free of cost.

Ropar, March 30
As many as 13,000 persons in the district
were examined in 250 camps in different parts of the district during a
special AIDS awareness campaign. Only 500 persons, mostly females,
were suspected to be affected with sexually transmitted diseases.
“The test for HIV would be conducted on those persons who do not
show any improvement,” said Y.P. Singla, Civil Surgeon.

Hoshiarpur, March 30
Kuldip Singh, a son of Dharam Chand of Dhanoya, was crushed to death under the 4 JMP train on the Jalandhar-Pathankot rail section at the Dugari level crossing in this district today.
— OC

Chandigarh, March 30
A Division Bench of the Punjab and Haryana High Court today issued notices to the Punjab Government and other respondents for April 27 on a petition challenging the decision of the government to entrust the rural dispensaries in the state to doctors to run the same on contractual basis.

The petitioners, Dr Kamaljit Singh and six others, have stated that the government proposal as publicised through an advertisement dated March 5 would lead to deterioration in quality of health service in the rural areas.

They have also stated that no proper plan has been formulated for the thousands of doctors and paramedical staff that would be left workless if the plan is implemented.
Today, after hearing counsel for the petitioners, the Division Bench comprising Chief Justice Mr Justice DK Jain and Mr Justice Surya Kant issued notice of motion.

Meanwhile, the PCMS Association, Punjab, said that its proposed protest scheduled for tomorrow would continue as planned. It would observe black day tomorrow.

Ropar, March 30
Continuing with their agitation for the fifth day today against the decision to accord Mohali the district status, advocates of the District Court again jammed traffic for an hour on the Ropar-Nawanshahr road in the morning.

Former MP Kamal Chowdhary also joined them here and assured support for their ongoing protest, said the president of the District Bar Association, Mr R.S. Moudgil here.

AGRICULTURE

Rana backs farmers
Tribune News Service

Ropar, March 30
The Parliamentary Secretary,
Industry and Commerce, and Nangal MLA, Mr K.P.S Rana, while addressing a
farmers’ fair here said that he along with the Minister of Animal
husbandry and tourism, Mr Jagmohan Kang, would make efforts against the
privatisation of sugar mills in Morinda.

He supported the protest of
farmers against privatisation and also blamed officials for the
deteriorating condition of the sugar mills.

CRIME

5 robbers arrested
Our Correspondent

Tarn Taran, March 30
The district police has claimed to solve several cases of robbery by arresting five members of a seven-member gang of robbers. Two members managed to escape.

Mr Paramjit Singh Grewal, SSP, told mediapersons here today that the nabbed members had been identified as Gurbinder Singh of Thathian Mahantan, Mangal Singh of Palasaur, Bawa Singh of Dhunda, Dalbir Singh of Jallewal and Sukhdev Singh of Mohanpur, whereas the robbers who managed to escape were Jagjit Singh of Sangatpur and Didar Singh of Thathian Mahantan.

The SSP said two revolvers along with live cartridges had been recovered from them. The SSP said the gang members were arrested at a horticulture farm where they were planning a robbery.

The gang members had confessed to committing three looting incidents in the area, the SSP said.

EDUCATION

Senate approves university budget
Our Correspondent

Amritsar, March 30
Guru Nanak Dev University in its budget estimates for 2006-07 earmarked Rs 50 lakh for research, Rs 1.87 crore for EDUSAT Network, Rs 30 lakh for purchase of a server, computers, etc. and Rs 13.60 lakh to enable faculty members to attend maximum number of conferences/seminars/workshops.

Dr S.P. Singh, Vice-Chancellor, said to spread education in remote, rural and border areas along with e-learning the university had made arrangements to provide an EDUSAT network. The Internet facility with optic fibre networking has been established at a cost of Rs 20 lakh to provide the same to all departments.

Meanwhile, the university Senate unanimously approved the budget estimates of Rs 89 crore for 2006-07. The Syndicate had already accorded approval to these estimates. It also approved the annual report (2005).

Dr S.P. Singh presided over the meeting while Dr R.S. Bawa, Registrar, presented the agenda. Dr S.P. Singh stated that of the total committed estimated expenditure of Rs 89 crore, the university would spend 47.67 per cent on teaching, allied teaching, research and improvement of education; 14.20 per cent on general administration; 5.55 per cent on conduct of examinations; 27.86 per cent on miscellaneous departments and health services and 4.72 per cent on capital works.

The Vice-Chancellor said the state government would provide a maintenance grant of Rs 17.82 crore while the university would contribute Rs 48.37 crore and Rs 22.93 crore as surplus opening balance for 2005-06. There would be a net plus balance of Rs10.79 lakh during 2006-07.

He said a provision had been made of Rs 2.15 crore for DA and other allowances. To attract NRI students, he said Rs 20 lakh had been earmarked to organise educational fairs in Ethopia, Kenya and Tanzania.

About 52 research projects are underway under various schemes and a grant of Rs 6.09 crore has been sanctioned by the UGC, AICTE, CSIR, DAE, DBT, DST, INSA, inter-university consortium, USA, IIT, DRDO, ICSSR, NSC, ICAR, CAI for these projects.

Ropar, March 30
Sahibzada Ajit Singh Academy has signed a protocol with a Greece-based institution, Trinity International Hospital Studies at Crete.

This will enable students’ transfer from the academy and pave the way for a sister school relationship. It will also start a scholarship programme for Indian students wishing to go for diplomas, degrees and post-graduation in tourism and hospitality management, said the director of the academy, Mr Sukhjinder Singh, while addressing a press conference here today.